ravSaldl 


flitiuetratj  jf  llbantj. 

CIRCULAR 

OF  THE 

SCIENTIFIC  DEPARTMENT. 

COURSES   OF   INSTRUCTION 

For    1852. 

AL] 
11LES  VAN  BBNTHUYSEN,  PRIN'J 

No.  407  Broad 

1851. 

EnitiOTiftj  of  llbantj. 


CIRCULAR 


OF  THE 


SCIENTIFIC  DEPARTMENT. 


COURSES   OF   INSTRUCTION 


For    1852. 


ALBANY: 

CHARLES  VAN  BENTHUYSEN,  PRINTER, 

No.  407  Broadway, 
1851. 


Lfed 


UNIVERSITY  OF  ALBANY. 


SCIENTIFIC  DEPARTMENT. 


The  Trustees  of  the  University  announce  the  following 
courses  of  lectures  for  the  ensuing  winter  : 

A  full  course  on  the  General  Applications  of  Science  to 
Agriculture,  by  Prof.  John  P.  Norton,  of  the  Univer- 
sity. 

A  full  course  on  Geology,  with  its  Applications  to  Agri- 
culture, by  Prof.  James  Hall,  of  the  University. 

A  partial  course  on  Astronomy,  by  Prof.  0>  M.  Mitchell, 
of  the  University. 

A  partial  course  on  Entomology,  in  its  Relations  to  Agri- 
culture, by  Dr.  Henry  Goadby,  formerly  of  the  Royal 
College  of  Surgeons,  London. 

A  partial  course  on  Elementary  Chemistry,  by  Prof.  Geo. 
H.  Cook,  Principal  of  the  Albany  Academy. 

Instruction  in  Applied  Mathematics,  particularly  in  con- 
nection with  Civil  Engineering  and  Astronomy,  will  be 
given  to  such  as  desire  it,  by  Prof.  Geo.  R.  Perkins, 
Principal  of  the  State  Normal  School. 


In  making  the  foregoing  announcement,  it  may  be  pro- 
per to  state  in  a  few  words,  the  magnitude  of  the  objects 
embraced  in  the  enterprise  which  now  engages  the  atten- 
tion of  the  Trustees. 

It  is  not  intended  to  limit  our  action  to  the  organization 
of  an  institution  which  shall  only  offer  facilities  for  the 
acquisition  of  knowledge,  such  as  are  at  present  afforded 
by  the  Colleges  and  other  educational  institutions  of  our 
Country  •  indeed  our  aims  are  so  widely  different,  that  we 
do  not  anticipate  any  interference  with  existing  institu- 
tions, but  propose  to  take  the  pupils  at  the  point  where  they 
are  now  left,  and  to  furnish  such  means  for  professional 
and  profound  research,  in  all  the  departments  of  human 
knowledge,  as  do  not  at  present  exist  in  the  new  world, 
and  must  be  sought  in  the  Universities  of  Europe.  Should 
we  accomplish  the  high  objects  herein  set  forth,  our  coun- 
trymen will  then  be  furnished  with  the  opportunity  of 
becoming  eminently  proficient  in  all  those  departments 
of  science,  whose  recent  applications  to  agriculture,  com- 
merce, and  the  arts,  have  wrought  such  astonishing  changes 
among  the  civilized  nations  of  the  world. 

These  comprehensive  views,  have  not,  in  all  their  mag- 
nitude, originated  with  the  Trustees.  Contemporaneously 
with  the  conception  of  the  idea  of  erecting  a  University 
in  Albany,  it  was  ascertained  that  the  same  subject  was 
occupying  the  earnest  attention  of  many  of  the  most  dis- 
tinguished scientific  men  in  the  United  States.  A  partial 
interchange  of  views  between  these  gentlemen  and  the 
Trustees  of  the  Albany  University,  has  been  had,  and 
while  all  agree  that  the  time  has  arrived,  when  this  great 
and  powerful  nation  imperiously  demands  the  organiza- 
tion of  such  a  University  as  we  have  adverted  to,  all  are 
equally  positive  that  for  a  long  period  it  will  be  quite  im- 
possible to  sustain  more  than  one  such  institution  on  this 
continent. 


To  secure  the  location  of  such  a  University  within  the 
limits  of  our  state,  is  certainly  an  object  worthy  of  the 
highest  effort,  and  while  we  leave  the  details  of  organiza- 
tion to  the  future  action  of  those  to  whom  it  legitimately 
belongs,  we  may  venture  to  present  the  two  most  promi- 
nent features  which  distinguish  the  contemplated  plan. 

First — It  is  proposed  to  base  the  University  on  the  pre- 
sent system  of  public  instruction  in  our  state. 

Second — To  combine  with  state  patronage  the  important 
element  of  self-support.  If  such  an  institution  were  al- 
ready organized,  embracing  among  its  Professors,  the  high- 
est talent  and  ripest  scholars  of  our  country,  it  would 
present  to  the  state  just  such  courses  of  instruction  as  are 
now  demanded,  for  the  accomplishment  of  the  highest 
objects  designed  to  be  reached  in  the  education  of  her 
most  promising  pupils. 

The  Trustees  have  therefore  ventured  to  hope,  that  a 
triple  harmonious  action,  on  the  part  of  the  state,  the  sci- 
entific men,  and  themselves,  may  ensure  the  speedy  ac- 
complishment of  this  most  important  undertaking. 

As  an  earnest  of  our  own  determination  to  perform  our 
part,  we  may  be  permitted  to  state,  that  we  have  already 
secured  the  funds  requisite  to  erect  and  furnish  an  astro- 
nomical observatory,  and  to  carry  forward  during  the 
coming  winter,  the  courses  of  lectures  already  specified, 
under  the  auspices  of  the  proposed  University.  This  is 
our  commencement :  arrangements  are  already  in  progress 
for  an  increase  of  advantages  for  another  year,  and  it  is 
our  hope  that  each  recurring  season  may  witness  the  nearer 
approach  to  the  complete  realization  of  our  most  enlarged 
and  comprehensive  plans. 

The  facilities  for  the  prosecution  of  branches  of  science 
connected  with  agriculture,  although  not  yet  perfected, 
will  be  far  greater  than  have  ever  before  been  offered  in 
this  country.     The  Courses  to  be  given  are  intended  to  b$ 


6 

intelligible  to  every  practical  farmer,  and  at  the  same 
time  to  point  out  the  leading  and  the  special  advantages 
of  scientific  applications.  To  accomplish  this  end  the  lec- 
tures will  be  fully  illustrated  by  experiments,  diagrams, 
numerical  tables  and  specimens,  while  the  use  of  scientific 
terms  will  be  confined  to  such  as  are  absolutely  necessary 
to  the  comprehension  of  the  various  subjects  presented. 
Conversational  recitations  will  also  be  held  in  connection 
with  the  lectures,  so  that  all  who  wish  may  have  oppor- 
tunities for  seeking  the  explanation  of  every  difficulty. 

The  general  course  on  Scientific  and  Practical  Agricul- 
ture, will  be  delivered  by  Prof.  John  P.  Norton,  of  Yale 
College,  and  of  the  University. 

This  course  will  give  a  complete  outline  of  the  best 
system  of  modern  agriculture,  and  of  the  advantages  to 
be  derived  from  special  scientific  applications  in  our  own 
practice. 

The  arrangement  of  subjects  will  be  as  follows : 

Division  of  matter  into  two  great  classes. 

Organic  and  Inorganic. 

Organic  bodies  :  Carbon,  oxygen,  nitrogen,  and  hydro- 
gen. The  compounds  of  these  and  the  forms  in  which 
they  enter  plants ;  carbonic  acid,  humic  and  ulmic  acids, 
ammonia,  nitric  acid,  &c.  The  way  in  which  plants  ob- 
tain their  food,  including  an  account  of  the  atmosphere 
and  water.  The  structure  of  the  plant  and  the  functions 
of  its  different  parts.  The  substances  of  which  these  con- 
sist. The  phenomena  of  germination,  nutrition,  and  growth 
of  plants.  The  inorganic  or  mineral  constituents  of  plants. 
Sulphur,  iodine,  chlorine,  phosphorus,  potash,  soda,  lime, 
magnesia,  alumina,  silica,  iron,  manganese.  Proportions 
of  these  and  conclusions  as  to  the  rotation  of  crops. 

Composition  of  ash  in  different  plants. 

The  soil,  its  nature  and  formation.     Composition  of  the 


principal  rocks,  and  of  the  soils  derived  from  them ;  whole 
number  of  inorganic  substances  in  the  soil. 

Mechanical  improvement  of  soils.  Draining,  subsoiling, 
and  trenching.  Special  manures,  lime,  potash,  soda, 
phosphates,  gypsum,  guano,  bones,  animal  flesh,  hair  and 
wool. 

Barn-yard  manures,  their  composition  and  the  best 
modes  of  preserving  them. 

Of  mineral  manures  generally;  and  artificial  manures. 

Products  of  the  soil.  Culture  and  composition  of 
wheat,  oats,  rye,  barley,  Indian  corn,  rice,  peas,  beans, 
turnips,  potatoes,  tobacco,  sugar  cane,  cotton,  &c. 

Composition  of  milk,  butter  and  cheese,  and  the  best 
modes  of  making  the  two  latter. 

Theories  of  respiration,  of  feeding  and  fattening  of  ani- 
mals. 

In  conclusion,  there  will  be  a  recapitulation  of  all  the 
leading  points. 

The  chemical  substances  mentioned,  will  be  shown  to 
the  class,  and  their  nature  illustrated  by  experiments. 

The  course  on  Geology  and  Palaeontology,  will  be  given 
by  Prof.  James  Hall,  of  the  New- York  Geological  Survey, 
and  of  the  University  of  Albany. 

This  course  of  lectures  will  be  given  with  especial  re- 
ference to  its  applications  in  agriculture,  in  civil  engi- 
neering, the  mechanic  arts,  and  to  mining.  The  subject 
will  be  treated  in  the  following  manner : 

1.  The  Principles  and  Elements  of  Geology  illustrated 
from  American  localities,  and  by  specimens  of  American 
rocks  and  fossils,  as  far  as  practicable. 

2.  Systematic  Geology,  treating  of  the  Principles  of 
Classification,  in  all  the  geological  formations. 

3.  Physical  Geography,  as  connected  with,  and  depen- 
dent on  geological  changes. 

4  Geological  Structure  of  the  North  American  Conti- 
nent, particularly  that  of  the  United  States. 


5.  Lithological  Aspect  and  Chemical  Composition  of 
Rocks,  in  connexion  with  the  Formation  of  Soils. 

6.  The  Operations,  Past  and  Present,  producing  the  de- 
struction of  rock  formations  and  the  consequent  produc- 
tion of  soils. 

7.  This  subject,  illustrated  by  reference  to  the  Geologi- 
cal Formations  of  the  United  States,  producing  agricultu- 
ral districts,  which  have  given  direction  to  the  course  of 
emigration. 

8.  The  Geological  Structure  of  a  country,  or  of  a  district, 
as  influencing  the  kind,  quality,  and  amount  of  agricul- 
tural products. 

9.  Geology,  in  its  applications  to  Civil  Engineering. 
The  principles  involved  in  the  selection  of  materials  for 
construction,  the  kind  of  material,  &c. 

10.  The  Geological  Formations  in  which  these  materi- 
als are  to  be  sought,  and  the  extent  of  these  formations  in 
the  United  States. 

1 1 .  The  Principles  involved  in  the  Excavation  of  Rock 
Formations,  and  Superficial  Deposits.  The  advantages  to 
be  derived  in  these  operations  from  a  knowledge  of  the 
geological  structure  of  a  country. 

12.  The  same  principles  applied  to  the  mechanic  arts. 

13.  The  Formation  of  beds  and  veins  of  Metallic  Ores. 
The  geological  associations  of  certain  ores. 

14.  The  Distribution  of  Metallic  Ores  in  the  United 
States. 

15.  The  Principles  of  the  Science  of  Palaeontology. 

16.  Characteristics  of  the  Organic  Remains  of  the  suc- 
cessive rock  formations,  and  the  application  of  this  know- 
ledge in  the  Classification  of  Rocks. 

17.  Comparison  of  the  General  Features  and  Extent  of 
the  Rock  Formations  of  Europe  and  America. 

18.  Comparison  of  the  Fauna  and  Flora  of  the  different 


9 

Geological  Periods,  and  the  adaptation  of  the  character 
and  habits  of  the  successive  races  of  Animals  and  Plants 
to  the  conditions  of  the  earth  as  it  was  during  the  time 
of  their  existence. 

Dr.  Henry  Goadby,  formerly  of  the  Royal  College  of 
Surgeons,  London,  will  deliver  a  partial  course  on  Ento- 
mology, with  special  reference  to  agriculture. 

The  general  arrangement  of  the  course  will  be  as  fol- 
lows : 

The  Scientific  definition  of  the  term  Insect. 

The  importance  to  the  agriculturist  of  a  knowledge 
of  Insects. 

Metamorphosis  of  Insects. 

Injuries  caused  by  Insects  to  crops  and  fruit. 

Structure  of  the  Insect  skeleton.  Its  adaptation  to  spe- 
cial wants.  The  forms  of  the  Mouth  described,  with  their 
different  purposes. 

The  Organs  of  Nutrition,  their  varieties. 

The  Organs  of  Respiration. 

The  Structure  of  the  Heart,  and  Circulation  of  the  Blood. 

The  Brain  and  Nervous  System — organs  of  special  sense. 

On  the  Instincts  of  Insects. 

The  Locomotive  Organs — legs,  and  wings. 

These  lectures  will  be  illustrated  by  admirable  prepara- 
tions, exhibited  by  the  Oxy-hydrogen,  and  other  micro- 
scopes. 

In  order  that  the  advantages  of  the  instruction  thus  of- 
fered may  be  widely  extended,  and  that  the  Institution  in 
its  incipient  steps  may  place  itself  not  aloof  from  the  peo- 
ple, but  with  them,  it  has  been  determined  to  offer  free 
tickets  to  a  certain  number  of  students  from  eacli  senato- 
rial district  of  the  state.  The  means  of  doing  this  have 
been  furnished  by  liberal  subscriptions  from  friends  of 
the  University.  Each  senator  will  have  the  privilege  of 
selecting  two  young  men  from  his  own  district,  who  shall 


10 

receive  free  tickets  to  the  above  courses,  and  to  the  course 
of  Prof.  Mitchell  on'Astronomy.  This  privilege  will  also 
be  extended  to  the  members  of  the  last  senate,  so  that  j \ur 
young  men  may  be  sent  from  each  senatorial  district. 
The  same  offer  of  free  tickets  is  made  to  two  young  men 
from  the  last  graduating  class  of  every  college  in  the 
state. 

In  addition  to  these  offers,  the  Trustees  and  Professors 
will  be  disposed  to  consider  favorably  applications  from 
young  men  of  limited  means,  who  may  not  be  able  to  em- 
brace either  of  the  above  opportunities,  and  who  are  yet 
desirous  of  pursuing  the  courses  of  study. 


The  course  on  Scientific  and  Practical  Agriculture,  by 
Prof.  Norton,  will  commence  on  the  second  Tuesday  of 
January,  and  continue  about  three  months,  at  the  rate  of 
three  lectures  in  each  week.     Ticket  for  the  course,  $10. 

The  course  on  Geology,  by  Prof.  Hall,  will  commence 
on  the  second  Wednesday  of  January,  and  continue  for 
three  months,  at  the  rate  of  five  lectures  in  each  week. 
Ticket  for  the  course,  $10. 

The  course  on  Astronomy,  by  Prof.  Mitchell,  will  com- 
mence early  in  January,  and  due  notice  of  the  day  will 
be  given,  by  advertisement. 

The  course  on  Entomology,  by  Dr.  Goadby,  will  com- 
mence on  the  third  Friday  in  January,  and  continue  at 
the  rate  of  two  lectures  in  each  week.  Ticket  for  the 
course,  $5. 

The  course  by  Prof.  Cook,  on  Chemistry,  and  that  of 
Applied  Mathematics,  by  Prof.  Perkins,  will  commence  as 
soon  as  classes  are  formed. 


11 

Messrs.  B.  P.  Johnson,  Ezra  P.  Prentice,  and  Luther 
Tucker,  have  been  appointed  by  the  Trustees  a  committee 
of  the  Agricultural  Department.  All  letters  of  enquiry- 
relative  to  this  department,  should  be  addressed  to  B.  P. 
Johnson,  State  Agricultural  Rooms,  Albany. 

The  price  of  board  in  respectable  families,  varies  from 
$2  to  $2.50  per  week,  exclusive  of  washing.  Two  or  more 
young  men,  by  clubbing  together,  can  hire  a  room  respec- 
tably furnished,  for  the  purpose  of  lodging  and  study,  for 
fifty  cents  each  per  week,  and  can  furnish  themselves 
with  food,  fuel,  light,  and  every  thing  except  washing,  at 
a  total  expense  of  $1.37i  to  $1.50  per  week,  in  winter. 

Students  on  their  arrival  in  the  city,  will  obtain  full 
information  and  directions  as  to  boarding  houses,  rooms, 
&c,  by  calling  at  the  State  Agricultural  Rooms,  where  a 
person  will  be  constantly  in  attendance  for  this  especial 
purpose. 

EZRA  P.  PRENTICE, 
B.  P.  JOHNSON, 
LUTHER  TUCKER, 
Committee  of  the  Board  of  Trustees. 


DEPARTMENT  OF  LAW. 


The  Law  School  connected  with  the  University,  will 
commence  its  first  term  in  the  city  of  Albany,  on  the  third 
Tuesday  of  December ;  1851,  and  will  continue  for  sixteen 
weeks. 

The  fee  for  the  full  term  is  $40,  payable  in  advance. 

The  Faculty  consist  of  Hon.  Ira  Harris,  LL.  D.,  Hon. 
Amasa  J.  Parker,  LL.  D.,  and  Amos  Dean,  Esq. 

Judge  Harris  will  lecture  upon  the  Law  of  the  Domestic 
Relations,  the  Law  of  Evidence,  and  Pleadings  and  Practice. 

Judge  Parker  upon  the  Law  of  Real  Estate,  of  Wills, 
and  of  Personal  Rights. 

Prof.  Dean  upon  the  Law  of  Personal  Property,  Law  of 
Contract  and  Commercial  Law. 

The  method  of  instruction  will  be  by  lecture,  by  exami- 
nation, and  by  the  reduction  of  knoioledge  to  practice,  in  the 
conducting  of  causes  in  Moot  courts. 

Law  circulars,  giving  full  information,  maybe  obtained 
by  addressing  Amos  Dean,  Esq.,  at  Albany. 


THE  ALBANY  MEDICAL  COLLEGE. 


The  annual  course  of  lectures  in  this  Institution,  com- 
mences on  the  first  Tuesday  of  October  annually,  and 
continues  sixteen  weeks. 

The  following  are  the  names  of  the  Professors,  and  fees 
of  each : 

ALDEN  MARCH,  M.  D.,  President  of  the  Faculty,  and  Professor  of 

the  Principles  and  Practice  of  Surgery, $10 

JAMES  McNAUGHTON,  M.  D.,  Theory  and  Practice  of  Medicine,  .  10 

T.  ROMEYN  BECK,  M.  D.,  Materia  Medic  a, 8 

EBENEZER  EMMONS,  M.  D.,  Obstetrics  and  Natural  History,  ....  10 

LEWIS  C.  BECK,  M.  J).,  Chemistry  and  Pharmacy, 10 

JAMES  H.  ARMSBY,  M.  D.,  Anatomy, 12 

THOMAS  HUN;  M.  D.,  Institutes  of  Medicine, 5 

AMOS  DEAN,  Esq.,  Medical  Jurisprudence, 5 

Matriculation  fee,  $5  ;  Dissecting  fee,  $5. 

The  method  of  instruction  is  principally  by  lecture,  and 
examination.  Every  Saturday,  during  the  term,  is  devoted 
to  practical  and  clinical  instruction,  at  the  College  and 
Hospital.  The  opportunity  here  oifered,  of  witnessing  a 
great  variety  of  surgical  operations,  and  of  cases  under 
treatment,  is  a  most  interesting  feature  in  the  course  of 
study. 

The  Professors  have  means  of  instruction  unsurpassed 
in  any  other  institution  of  the  kind  in  this  country.  They 
have  a  well  selected  library  of  nearly  3,000  volumes. 
Their  museum  is  the  best  of  the  kind  in  America  ;  rich  in 


14 

its  specimens,  both  natural  and  morbid ;  and  in  the  num- 
ber and  great  variety  of  its  delicate,  and  minute  prepara- 
tions. These  have  been  prepared,  or  selected  with  great 
care;  by  the  Professors  themselves ;  particularly  Drs. 
March,  and  Armsby,  during  their  recent  visits  to  Europe. 
The  most  abundant  means*  are  thus  afforded  for  illustrat- 
ing the  various  forms  of  disease,  and  of  exhibiting  the 
appearances  caused  by  pathological  changes,  as  well  as 
the  minute  anatomical  structure  of  the  different  organs. 

The  graduating  fee  is  $20.  The  candidate  for  gradua- 
tion must  be  21  years  of  age,  and  must  exhibit  certificates 
from  a  physician,  and  surgeon,  duly  authorized  bylaw,  to 
practice  his  profession,  that  he  has  studied  medicine,  and 
surgery,  under  his  direction,  during  the  term  of  three 
years. 

He  must  have]  attended  two  full  courses  of  lectures, 
the  last  of  which  must  have  been  at  this  institution. 

Six  weeks  before  the  end  of  the  term,  he  must  deliver 
to  the  Registrar,  a  thesis,  written  by  himself,  upon  some 
medical  subject,  and  must  pass  a  satisfactory  examination 
on  the  several  branches  taught  in  the  institution,  before 
the  Faculty,  and  Curators  of  the  College. 

Circulars  giving  fuller  information,  may  be  obtained  by 
addressing  Thomas  Hun,  M.  D.,  Registrar. 


